Both Leeds and Manchester United are ranked within the top three clubs based on the number of opponents that consider them to be a rival.
In other words, they are very polarizing clubs, and if they elicit such emotion in others, imagine what happens when they get together to face each other.
Manchester United at Leeds United FYIs
Kickoff: Wednesday, February 8, 8pm, Old Trafford
PL Position: Manchester United 3rd, 42 points Leeds United 17th, 18 points
Transatlantic Passage: How the Premier League Redefined Soccer in America: LINK
History Behind the Roses Rivalry: go here
Man United Starting XI Prediction: go here
PL Form: Manchester United WLDWW Leeds United LDLDD
Odds: Manchester United 64%, Leeds United 16%, Draw 20%
Sir Alex Ferguson described matches in the Red Rose Rivalry (more on why its called that over at this link) as “fantastic, feisty occasions” with an “electric” atmosphere.
Yes, it’s electric, boogie woogie woogie, whenever these two sides get together. The next chapter in the rivalry comes Wednesday night, so let’s preview.
Team News
United will have a bit of a selection crisis in midfield now as the number of absentees are starting to pile up. Casemiro was shown red in the win over Crystal Palace, and he is now suspended for the next three games.
Scott McTominay missed out of that match with an unspecified muscular issue, and not much is really known about his injury at this time.
So who knows when he’ll be back. Meanwhile Donny van de Beek is out for the season while Christian Eriksen is sidelined until about May. Also, moving on to the attacking group, Anthony Martial is a major doubt here, due to an unspecified muscular issue.
With USMNT’s Weston McKennie making his debut for Leeds United, there have now been 7?? Americans to make an appearance in the 2022/23 Premier League season so far! ??
Which player has been the most exciting to watch? ? pic.twitter.com/wBYT9KTWWd
— Alexi Lalas’ State of the Union Podcast (@SOTUWithAlexi) February 5, 2023
For Leeds United States of America (they are certainly even more Americanized now with the January transfer window addition of Weston McKennie), Brenden Aaronson could play an increased role in this one, after making the bench in the weekend loss to Nottingham Forest.
Why?
Brenden Aaronson made the bench today for Leeds United despite being hospitalized during the week for appendicitis, I’m told.
Aaronson got out of the hospital Wednesday. Big surprise he was even made the bench. (That’s why he wasn’t in any of McKennie signing videos like Adams) pic.twitter.com/88khsHJnM8
— Tom Bogert (@tombogert) February 5, 2023
Enjoy the match everyone!
Paul M. Banks is the owner/manager of The Sports Bank. He’s also the author of “Transatlantic Passage: How the English Premier League Redefined Soccer in America,” and “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry.”
He’s written for numerous publications, including the New York Daily News, Sports Illustrated and the Chicago Tribune. He regularly appears on NTD News and WGN News Now. Follow the website on Twitter and Instagram.